Community Newsletter: Q&A: MacBook or PC laptop for college?
- 8/22/08 4:21 PM
Bad Advice Dude you should wake up
by chappejw - 8/16/08 1:48 AM In reply to: Bad Advice Dude by dknappHey it's 2008 not 1988... The old virus writers analogy is dead long ago. It is common knowledge that Macs do not suffer from viruses. This is due to Mac stemming from a unix based operating systems which uses permissions on every file in the system, and passwords for administrator privilege actions, not just logging in. It's a completely different operating system, yet does all the familiar things people do on Windows (minus the virus scans, spyware, and adware scans)
Even IBM the maker of the original PC has began using Macs for their desktop in the office. http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/04/16/ibm-launches-pilot-program-for-migrating-to-macs/
Nobody cares about zillions of programs, they generally like to stick to what works for them. Bottom line, Mac is well thought out, well designed, and user friendly. Windows? is like a kick in the bawlz in comparison.
Drives are not what makes operating systems crash, it is the programs that are running and the operating system running them.
The Mac has the leading edge graphics for the end user and for the creator.
Macs are made to make your life as simple as possible, PCs are made to make as much money for the corporation selling them. Prime example, all the crapware that comes loaded on PCs which is trial based and requires registration. Day 1, you are paying some tech geek $50 to remove it so you can actually use a PC... sick...
You need a new calendar...
Wow.
by xX_Sinsear_Xx - 8/16/08 11:50 AM In reply to: Bad Advice Dude you should wake up by chappejw"It is common knowledge that Macs do not suffer from viruses."
- Ignorance is bliss, isn't it? Way to jump on the fanboy train and not do research for yourself. There are many malware for macs.
"Nobody cares about zillions of programs, they generally like to stick to what works for them."
- So nobody cares about choice. So I guess Starbucks should stick to brewing just one type of coffee and phase out all of their other drinks and products. While on the subject, let's have everybody wear one brand of clothing, the same color. If I have to explain how invalid this argument is....
"Bottom line, Mac is well thought out, well designed, and user friendly. Windows? is like a kick in the bawlz in comparison."
- Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to announce that this statement contains absolutely no opinion and is 100% fact.
"The Mac has the leading edge graphics for the end user and for the creator."
- The 8600M GT is a midline graphics card. Since when did the mid grade graphics card become "cutting edge"? There are loads of mobile graphics chips that will blow this out of the water that can't be found on macs.
"Macs are made to make your life as simple as possible, PCs are made to make as much money for the corporation selling them."
- And this is coming from a person who supports a company that sells overpriced hardware...
"You need a new calendar..."
- And I think you need to get more informed before making these ridiculous posts while attempting to educate others. I always grew up on the saying that "If you don't know what you're talking about, don't talk."
THANK YOU
by nippywiffle - 8/16/08 7:54 PM In reply to: Wow. by xX_Sinsear_XxxX_Sindear_Xx - thank you.. I think you put it better than anyone else could (by using their own words against them).
I'm not against macs, I just hate all the crap they come up with for why it's "better than windows"... it's just another choice.. not better, not worse.. just down to personal choice.
mac vs pc
by ericerzah - 9/2/08 6:41 PM In reply to: Bad Advice Dude you should wake up by chappejwthis is getting too heated
how about you just to to an apple store and explore a macbook and compare it to your windows experience.
fair.
A couple points on this.
by lordgotmilk - 8/15/08 9:02 PM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05First, as pointed out by another, the reason Macs have gone so long virtually virus free is that viruses are written to use vulnerabilities in particular OS's. Since Windows has held the majority of users for so long, they are most commonly targeted. As more people go to Mac, those wishing to do harm will turn to writing viruses for Macs.
Another point to make. As someone that came out of the IT field and is in retail currently, I've seen Vista on many kinds of computers and laptops. Many laptops, especially early in Vista's release were truly not capable of running stable due to hardware deficiancies and the early-on issues with drivers. This turned many people away from Vista completely, leading to today's Mac and Linux trends. As more people use Vista on machines made to handle the OS, the better for Windows in the marketplace.
As to anyone looking today for college, of course see if one or another is prefered by your college and in your field of study. The different OS's have their strong points for different things. If you end up deciding on a PC laptop, go with a decent dual core, such as the Core2 Duo or AMD 64x2 (if budget is tight). Make sure it has 2 or 3 gigs of ram and enough hard drive space (remember that once the hard drive has over 75% capacity filled, it begins to slow) for what your needs are. With these criteria met, you can find a Vista laptop a reliable and joy to use.
(Just to point out, I'm currently using XP on a couple year old machine that dual boots Linux. I've wanted to look into Mac, but haven't had the chance yet)
You are dead wrong..!
by chappejw - 9/3/08 10:54 AM In reply to: A couple points on this. by lordgotmilk"First, as pointed out by another, the reason Macs have gone so long virtually virus free is that viruses are written to use vulnerabilities in particular OS's. Since Windows has held the majority of users for so long, they are most commonly targeted. As more people go to Mac, those wishing to do harm will turn to writing viruses for Macs." - This is nothing but a myth. There has been actually no "virus" ever for Mac. There has been a trojan or two, but those were stupid malware that the user would have to install themselves. These were socially engineered malwares offered from porn sites telling users in order to see this porn video you need to download and install a codec for QuickTime. These were not viruses that would replicate themselves and use your system to hunt for more victims.
You want the real answers? Don't take someone's opinion named "lordgotmilk" at face value. Get the facts, understand the reasons why, and know the truth. It is common knowledge that Mac, Unix, FreeBSD, and Linux do not get viruses if at all. Here's why...
http://www.macobserver.com/article/2007/04/10.9.shtml
3 Mac Myths dispelled by computerworld.com
Myth 1)Apple computers are expensive relative to their PC cousins.
Myth 2)There's a lack of software available for Mac.
Myth 3)Apple architectures are based on proprietary protocols.
More Popular Mac Myths dispelled
http://www.apple.com/science/whymac/myths.html
All I'm really asking people to do here is evaluate what you are reading. What does it say? Is it proven? What is the evidence?(this is critical, without evidence you have no argument) Is this a reliable source of information?
I own both, I prefer mac
by calm54 - 8/15/08 9:31 PM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05I own both a Vista laptop and a macbook. I prefer Mac. It starts faster and quits faster. I have had several crashes on the vista machine although the interface has tried to emulate the Mac environment. My vista notebook sits at home even though it is lighter and has a faster CPU. The vista machine is docked and running quickbooks. It did not take very long to adjust to the MAC, you can also run windows software on the MAC if you need to do that. There are student discounts for MAC machines and software. My daughter is starting college next fall and I bought her a Macbook. Of course she grew up with Macs. The bottom line for me is less frustration with the MAC.
Mac can do the PC thing standing on it's head!
by lee_elvin - 8/15/08 11:55 PM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05Well said!
No choice really, choose a PC and don't see the safe, secure, simple and fast world a mac can offer you or choose a mac and get to see both worlds, if you really need to run windows applications then put windows on your mac but I'm sure when you start using a mac you won't go back.
For years my wife used a PC laptop but six months ago she tried my macbook as her laptop wasn't charged, she hasn't booted up the PC laptop since, it's sat in the corner gathering dust, when asked why her answer was simple, "It just works, it comes with all the main programs you could need as standard, its so simple to use, all the programs are straight forward to use not forgetting it is on as soon as you open the lid" I didn't have to convince her, or give her a single reason why Mac is the better choice, she just discovered it herself after one use!
I have nothing against PCs and I manage a network of over 500 but my choice having to deal with the problems of all the PCs is a Mac any day, it just works!
mac or pc ?
by little peasant - 8/16/08 2:04 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05dear wendee
i recently changed from a desktop pc to a laptop pc
a so called hp media center
i have had a few problems but overall it runs smoothly, i do advice you to buy it before going college, cause for instance if you have never used windows vista, it would be easier for you to have learned the system itself before going to college.
another thing i'd advice is to check your college's website, because most of the time they have contracts with computer distributers, and thus allowing you to get a laptop for a cheaper price. i know this is so because i'm going college end of september too and i bought mine that way 
anyways, i had some more things to say to you but apparently they were already said ^^
cheers
pete
I work for a Mac and PC repair shop.
by roadtrip1098 - 8/16/08 4:14 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05There are simple concerns I have when it comes to an end user looking to go with a MAC, they are a great reliable machine, but what happens "IF" something goes wrong. There is a much larger PC Support network. The company I work for is the only one in 75 miles that works on MACs, and where you school will probably offer tech support there, what happens when you come home? In my experience, you can also get PC's fixed if you have a problem even when a MAC would not be repairable, and usually for a lot less. Virus Protection for PC's is very free, just download AVG right from cNet, it is free and works better than the pay anti virus. I have seen several MACs come in bricked up by spyware or with broken screen hinges, failed power supplies, even failed hard drives. Even for us as a certified MAC repair shop, parts can be difficult and expensive to get. Remember to buy an external back up drive to save all of your work to. If you buy an external drive and USE IT, you most likely will not have any problems, but if you don't I can guarantee that when you are just finishing up your term papers your hard drive WILL crash or your roomate will spill a drink on your keyboard and you'll lose it all. Data Recovery is much more successful on PC hard drives.
I agree with Mac or bust
by rescuefire - 8/16/08 5:31 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05I agree with all that Zacm05 said about preferring a Mac. I'll add one point though. You asked about the learning curve...what I tell folks is that they are so uncomplicated that it makes it seem complicated. Windows users are looking for that crazy weird terminology or the least likely path to find something, with a Mac you don't have that problem. Plain English and simple is the way to go. Don't try to make anything more complicated than it is. Starting out college is fun and exciting, you don't need computer problems mucking things up for you. Best of luck.
Go with the MacBook
by mabosa - 8/16/08 6:56 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05My daughter is 3rd yr college student. She's also the 'death queen' of anything electronic. Freshmen year, got her a Dell notebook. Also got the 3 yr full parts/labor warranty (life-saver). Within first yr ownership, had to replace the keyboard (stopped working), screen (fried), and reimage HD. Her school supports both Windows and Apple products. Many kids came to school with Macs, including her then-roommate. Final straw was Dell HD failure just before leaving to return to school after break. While Dell was ok with customer service, you can't keep dealing with a melting-down daughter all the time! Threw up my hands, went to local Apple store, bought MacBook. Nirvana ! Can't beat Apple customer service, product is rock-steady, contains everything she needs (including Mac version Office apps). Now entering 2nd year with Mac, and it just WORKS. No more frantic dad-tech support calls! Personally - I'm converting my home pc environment to Mac.
Re: It's either Mac or bust
by whatnow992 - 8/16/08 7:54 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm051. Recently, Macs can be infected with spyware and viruses. Hackers have been turning their attention to Apple products now. So you cant say their 100% safe, no viruses ever. Nothing is ever 100% safe. heres proof: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080810/tc_afp/usitinternetcrimecompanyappledefcon;_ylt=Apl3DxCokgqvZtjyBQpA2SuDzdAF
4. lame reason, all your files are supposed to be compatable...
7. like everything, vista has its problems. But to say vista sucks all around is total crap. I have a Mac, XP, and Vista. I like using vista the best, i mean, theres nothing wrong with it. Some people have had problems, I havent. Every operating system has its strengths and weaknesses.
10. not true. I have a Mac laptop, and its hard drive is dying. Every time I use it, it goes ca-chunk ca-chunk. an awful sound. My XP computer of the same age is working perfectly fine. Oh yeah, and for awhile, It would not even boot up, the equivalent of the blue screen of death. Eventually I got it working, but it wasnt easy. So to say they never crash is also a lie.
11. this is also opinionized. I dont think windows will run better on a $1500 Mac than a $4000 gaming PC. Its all a matter how you look at it. I am def not an apple fanboy, nor a Microsoft fanboy, because I have both, and they both are good in their own ways.
Besides, this was supposed to be about which is best for school, not the fight about windows and mac. so you can take your apple fanboy crap somewhere else.
Misinformation
by Paul-T - 8/16/08 10:24 AM In reply to: It's either Mac or bust by Zacm05Zacm05 - You should get your facts straight.
I own several Macs and PC's (XP and Vista)and find that both have their strengths and weaknesses. But to say that Macs are not subject to viruses is just plain wrong.
For example: 1. OSX/Inqtana.A is a Java-based worm that exploits the directory traversal vulnerability in the Bluetooth file and object exchange services in Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). 2. The Leap.A (aka Oompa-Loompa) infects applications in Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) running on PowerPC processors. Not to mention numerous vulnerabilities found in Mac OS X Panther.
True, there are far fewer viruses for Macs than PC's, probably due mainly to market share. If you were going to write a virus, would you target 7% of the market or the other 93%?
I love my Macs and have been with Apple since the very begining (my first was an Apple II plus in the late 70's, the days of AppleDOS)and believe me, they had a way bigger edge back then. However, I'm a power user, and there is just way to much software that isn't available for the Mac for me to use it alone. Generally speaking, most mainstream software will come out for the Mac although sometimes months later than the release for the PC. Just last year I had to switch my photo editing of RAW files to a PC for 8 months because the new camera I bought put out the RAW converter for the PC and not for the MAC until 8 months later. You'll find the same thing with hardware a lot of the time.
Also, Macs never crash????? Ummmmm, yeah... they do. I'm not sure how long you've had yours but they do.
Neither system is perfect and it really comes down to what you want out of your laptop. Since your use sounds like it's mainly mainstream, a Mac should work well for you. If you plan on doing a lot of gaming (laptops aren't the best choice for this anyway) or using more obscure softwares, you should look at a PC.
I recommend Mac
by MacDocBob - 8/8/08 8:07 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I am an unabashedly pro-Apple person and freely admit that. (I have a working Apple ][ computer in my basement, much to my wife's chagrin). I feel that the Mac end-to-end experience is easier and more intuitive than the PC experience. That said, if you have a great deal of experience with Windows and are familiar with updating drivers, the need to purchase new hardware / drivers / cards with any significant update of the system software (such as moving to Vista) then you may well want to stay with PC. Please note other readers that I don't type the last sentence as a criticism but as a fact since I one of the partners in my practice just converted to VIsta and encountered about 20 hours of work / time on phone with Dell / etc. That said, he now says he loves Vista. If you get a new computer powerful enough to run it, he would tell you it is a good product.
I feel that with the incentives for education, Mac is the clear winner for cost and for ease of use. I suspect that after less than a week of time with the new machine you will be proficient. The fact that many, many of your classmates will have Macs will also make it an easy transition.
The reason that Macs work better is that Apple has the advantage of producing both the hardware and software so that the end-user experience has continuity end-to-end, which means that once you understand how one Mac program works / looks / feels you can pretty much launch any program and be up to speed in no time.
Another main advantage of Macs over PCs is actually the lack of crashes, and easier recovery when they
do occur. Macs simply work. I do recommend you go to an Apple store (if one is nearby) or a Best Buy (many feature an Apple mini-store) and see for yourself. I hope this helps, and whatever you decide good luck on entering an exciting and fun phase of your life!!
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